divemed06

I'll be doing my first tri this year. I currently have a MTB, but am looking for a new bike (as it's 12 years old). I have never had anything other than a MTB, but would like to get a road/tri bike. I'm not sure if I'll stick with doing tris but will be looking at biking on a regular basis. Would you recommend a tri or a road bike? I don't plan on doing any road racing or group rides...

thehammerdog

As a newbie go with a decent road bike. Spend what you can because in the bike world more $ means better bike. If you enjoy the tri/biathlon scene you can always upgrade to aero bars, wheels and other goodies after you decide if it is for you. A good road bike is more fun to ride a full tri bike is a very specific aggresive bike.

Good Luck, how much do you plan on spending?

Caferacernoc

Last year I was in the same boat. I owned a MTB and was doing my first Triathalon. I considered putting street tires on my MTB but then a 30 year old Schwinn Traveler(30lb road bike) came my way for $50. I bought it and tuned it up and it worked fine. This year I will add alloy wheels and some other goodies to make it a little nicer now that I have the bug for both vintage road bikes and triathalons.

Treefox

If you're only going to have one bike, get a road bike rather than a TT bike.

Once you're comfortable on it, look to add clip-on aero bars.

rb12

i agree with what has been posted, get a road bike to start and go from there. once you are addicted to racing, then you can upgrade

check out craigslist.org to get something used. supply is of course variable based on where you are, but i picked up my road bike there, which only needed a little work and was really inexpensive, also found a great mt. bike there which was the same deal

ceiph

question kinda piggybacking on the topic, whats a good set of aero bars to add onto a road bike? right now the only thing ive heart is the jammer gts but im not sure

chrisuletz

Ceiph, I have Profile Design T2+ (or something like this) clip-ons on the road bike.

rb12

i second the vote for teh profile design t2+; I have used a variety of clip ons and these are reall designed well, stay in place when clipped on, comfortable, etc. profile makes some really high quality products imo

clipin

I agree with most said, but the most important criteria is frame size. The down side of buying a used bike on craigslist is probably not being able to trying it out pre-purchase. If you're uncomfortable you won't race well and may get discouraged. But do shop around, especially this time of year as everyone is thinking about a new bike and what to do with the old one. Bargains can be had. Good luck.